After fundraising enough money through donations to continue the fireworks tradition during the 2011 Summer Celebration, the work is on again to do the same for 2012 after budget cuts have made it impossible to be fully funded through the City.

Mercer Island Parks and Recreation needs to raise $23,000 through donations, otherwise the show will be canceled. The firework show is currently scheduled for Saturday, July 14 during this summer’s Summer Celebration event.

“The community of Mercer Island might be small in size but its generosity is large,” said Parks Superintendent Diane Mortenson. “We are confident that the community wants to come to Luther Burbank Park on Saturday, July 14 for a wonderful evening of tradition and a thrilling firework show, and that you will contribute to make this happen.”

The fireworks show is set off from a barge in Lake Washington, while residents and visitors watch from Luther Burbank Park.

Already this year, Parks & Rec have received sponsorships from Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Mercer Island True Value Hardware and Mercer Island Medical Imaging.

To donate, or become a sponsor, visit www.miparks.net or mail a donation to City of Mercer Island, 2040 84th Avenue S.E., Mercer Island, WA 98040.

To learn more contact festival director Amber Britton at amber.britton@mercergov.org.